1. Ashleigh Bird
42 Flat 1, Landguard Road, Shirley, Southampton, SO15 5SA
Email: ashleighjane.bird@googlemail.com ~ Tel: 07851442934~
Education and Qualifications
2016: Master of Laws in International Human Rights Law with Merit, University of Exeter.
2015: Bachelor of Laws with Honours in the First Class, University of Stirling.
2012: Data Skills and Analysis (First Class), Education: Purpose, Principles and Practice
(Upper Second Class) modules, University of Stirling.
2011: Certificate in Higher Education with Distinction, the University of Stirling
2010: Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers (AAABBBCC) Carrick Academy, Scotland.
2008: GCSE (A*A*A*AAAAAAAB) Ashfield Comprehensive School, England.
Postgraduate Dissertation
“Protecting Child Victims of Human Trafficking under the Council of Europe Convention on
Action against Trafficking in Human Beings: The UK Experience.”
Undergraduate Dissertation
“A critical evaluation of the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 and the Serious Crime Bill
[H.L] 2014-15 in their ability to effectively combat FGM in the UK.”
Key Areas of Interest
Human Trafficking, FGM, Forced Marriage, Child Sexual Exploitation, Honour Based
Violence, Refugee, Asylum and Immigration Law, Humanitarian Law, Discrimination Law,
Cyber Warfare, ECHR, and the U.N Treaty Body System.
Key Achievements
Awarded an Academic Excellence Scholarship from the University of Exeter (2015).
Achievement of 95% for my “Dissertation-Research Methodology Evaluation” and
supporting documents (2015).
Awarded the highest grade in a class of 20 students for a “Work Placement in Law” module
(2015).
Key Skills
Research: Use of a range of academic resources and search engines including, legislature
and caselaw, Westlaw, LexisNexis, HeinOnline and JStor as well as non-legal resources
including NGO and Government literature.
Research Methodology: collaboration of comparative, socio-legal and doctrinal analysis.
Analysis: Ability to analyse, interpret and present data, both quantitative and qualitative.
Communication: Ability to communicate ideas and information in a coherent and concise
manner.
Initiative and Time Management: Ability to work under own initiative and produce accurate
documents to deadlines.

2. Experience
2016: Citizens Advice Bureau, Generalist Adviser and Researcher
Researcher: Researched and produced a paper examining the impact that recent welfare
reforms have had upon the veteran community: “The Benefits Battle: An examination of the
challenges facing veterans when leaving the armed services.” Available via the link:
http://www.cas.org.uk/system/files/The%20Benefits%20Battle%20FINAL.pdf
Generalist Adviser: Provide advice and support in a range of areas including: benefits,
housing/homelessness, family breakdowns, consumer rights, employment and debt. The
role involves interviewing clients including vulnerable and aggressive individuals,
establishing their enquiry or problem, researching the issues and presenting the options
available to the client. The client may also be referred to other agencies for further support.
The session is then recorded for future reference.
Skills: Interview techniques, effective communication, research gathering/delivery, record
keeping and administration, research, analysis, working as part of a team.
Tools: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and the Citizens Advice Bureau’s Search Engine
2016: Study Trip to the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
Observation of the Treaty Body System in action specifically, the Committee for the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and their assessment of Yugoslavia’s and the
Holy See City State’s implementation of the Convention. The experience also included a
discussion with ICERD member, Ms. Anastasia Crickley (Chairperson), the opportunity to
meet employers at the U.N Human Rights Commission and also attend the ICERD 60TH
Anniversary Conference.
2015: Guest Speaker at Seroptomist International
I have presented my research into FGM in the UK to Soroptimist International (Stirling
branch), a global charity working on a local, national and international level to educate,
empower and enable opportunities for women and girls. The presentation was well received
and I was invited to return and deliver my work to the Falkirk branch. The event also
included a questions and answer session. As such, I am a confident public speaker and able
to discuss my ideas with others.
2014: Forced Marriage in Scotland Training
Attendee at “Forced Marriage in Scotland Training: Our Responses and Responsibilities”
delivered by Mridul Wadwa, Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid, Shakti and the Scottish
Government (2014).
2014: Hopkins Solicitors, Nottingham, Intern
Exposure to medical negligence cases (including fatalities), personal injury claims and road
traffic collisions. Tasks included, examining CCTV footage of a road collision to establish
liability; reviewing case notes on a personal injury claimand preparing the relevant claims
forms.

3. 2014: Avon Rubber Plc, Wiltshire, Intern
Examined and updated Avon’s agency listings using Transparency International’s Corruption
Perceptions Index and identified instances requiring external review; research the
procedural issues involved in the removal of a company listed with Companies House;
updated intercompany loan agreements; produced a document comparing and contrasting
Avon’s business policy and code with other leading corporations and offer suggestions of
improvement; Exposure to Avon Rubber’s expansion into new territories and meetings
between Company Secretary Miles Ingrey Couter, Assistant Group Counsel Zoe Holland with
intellectual property service providers D Young & Co.
2010-2015: Army, University Officer Training Corps, Tayforth
Promoted to Senior Officer Cadet (2012), responsible for reporting to senior staff members
and overseeing 30 cadets. Key roles included organising recruitment events. This involved
the organisation and management of open days, the design of new promotional material
including posters, PowerPoint as well as presentations, as well as public speaking and use of
social media.
The experience also included a training exercised in France and skiing expedition in Norway
and successful completion of: The Army Officer Selection Board Briefing (2014); Defence
Instructors Techniques Course (2013); Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership (QCF)
(2012) and Military Leaders Development Programme level 1 and 2 (2011, 2012).
Skills Summary
Public Speaking; Research, Analysis; Time-management, Prioritisation; Communication,
Presentation of Information; Organisation, Management, Initiative, Leadership, Teamwork.
IT Skills: PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Social Media
Platforms. Data handling: Data Handling Module (Distinction) 2011.
Driving License and DBS Check: Full UK Driving License and Protection of Vulnerable Groups
Scheme Member.
Current Employment
Citizens Advice Bureau Southampton, Volunteer. 3 Kings Park Road, SO15 2AT
Debenhams, Sales Adviser. Address: Debenhams, Queensway, SO14 1NH
Referees
Academic
Dr Ana Buduschi, Lecturer in Law, University of Exeter, Amory building – Rennes Drive, EX4
4RJ Exeter, Office: B 103F, Phone: +44 (0) 1392 725317, Email: A.Beduschi@exeter.ac.uk
Character
Mr Craig Anderson, Manager of Stirling Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd.
Stirling District Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd, The Norman MacEwan Centre, 3 Cameronian
Street, Stirling, FK8 2DX, Scotland. Tel: 01786 470239 Email:
CraigAnderson@stirlingcab.casonline.org.uk